John A. Wertz

John A. “Jack” Wertz, 93 of Cessna, was released from the cares of this world, on Friday, June 21, 2013, at his home.  He was born on July 25, 1919, in Snake Spring Valley, a son of the late Robert R. and Zita E. (Wambaugh) Wertz.  On July 31, 1943, at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in Cumberland, he was united in marriage to the former Janet L. Miller, his passing ends a marriage of almost 70 years.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by the following family: a son John Alan married to the former Linda Amick, of Snake Spring, a daughter, Janice Ann and husband Richard D. Heming, a son, James Edward, married to the former Patricia Smith, and a daughter, Joan Ellen married to Clair W. Black, all of Bedford. A loving pappy he is survived by the following grandchildren: Thomas Arthur Wertz married to the former Tammy Diehl; Amelie Ellen (Heming) married to Thomas J. Regester, Jr.; Timothy Alan Wertz, Joshua Charles Dively, Jason Edward Wertz, Julie Ann (Wertz) Jones, married to Richard Jones; Morgan Andrew Heming married to the former Tracy Roarabaugh, and Amanda Elisabeth “Kitty” (Heming) married to Chip Davis.  Adding more joy to “Little Pappy’s” world are the following great-grandchildren: Kaitlin Elisabeth (Regester) married to D. Howard Diehl (known to Little Pappy as Snake Spring); Brandy Marie Wertz, Jessica Sue Wertz, Tiarra Nickole Swope, Janey Leigh Dively, Leah Alice Wertz, Jordan Thomas Wertz, Hannah Catherine Regester, Kayla Ann, Camryn Alyse, and Lexie Michal Jones; Ava Elisabeth Davis, Addison Nichole Heming and Blake Franklin Davis.  Great-grandson Tristian Andrew Heming is due in July.  His first great-great-grandchild, Emily Grace Diehl, is due in October.  He is also survived by two sisters, Rita Marko, and Eunice Seme, both of Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by four brothers: Fred L. (Infant), Vincent T. “Pete”, Joseph L., and Thomas H, and a sister, Hazel G. Ledinsky.

Mr. Wertz was a member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Everett.  He loved his family and was an avid sportsman who lived for buck hunting and trout fishing.  He served in the U.S. Army, during World War II with the 101st 3rd Engineer Leadway Bridge Company in Europe.  He was awarded and Expert Marksman, Good Conduct, American Theatre Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medals with one Bronze Star device and a World War II Victory Medal.  At wars end, John was on a ship two days out of New York City headed for the South Pacific.

Mr. Wertz was an employee of the former Pin Mill and drove Taylors Potato Chip truck route, before starting his own construction business eventually known as John A., Wertz and Sons, General Contracting.  He retired after more than 50 years of hard physical labor.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 24, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at the St. Thomas Catholic Church, Bedford, with Father Donald Dusza, Celebrant.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park, with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Sunday, from 5-8 p.m., at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com